National Award-winning actor Zaira Wasim on Sunday announced her “disassociation” from the field of acting, saying she was not happy with the line of work as it interfered with her faith and religion.
In a detailed post on her Facebook page, which she later shared across all social media platforms, the Kashmiri-born “Dangal” fame star said she realised “though I may fit here perfectly, I do not belong here”.
“Five years ago I made a decision that changed my life forever. As I stepped my foot in Bollywood, it opened doors of massive popularity for me. I started to become the prime candidate of public attention, I was projected as the gospel of the idea of success and was often identified as a role model for the youth.
“However, that’s never something that I set out to do or become, especially with regards to my ideas of success and failure, which I had just started to explore and understand,” Wasim said in the lengthy post.
The 18-year-old actor said as she completed five years in the profession, she wanted to “confess that I am not truly happy with this identity i.e my line of work”.
People from all walks of life responding to Zahira Wasim’s decision, some welcomed her decision while many raised questions over the intent of the decision.
Author Taslima Nasreen reacting to Wasim’s decision wrote,” Oh My Goosebumps! Bollywood’s talented actress Zaria Wasim now wants to quit acting because she thinks her acting career almost destroyed her faith in Allah. What a moronic decision! So many talents in the Muslim community are forced to go under the darkness of the burqa.”
Oh My Goosebumps! Bollywood’s talented actress Zaria Wasim now wants to quit acting because she thinks her acting career almost destroyed her faith in Allah. What a moronic decision! So many talents in Muslim community are forced to go under the darkness of the burqa.
— taslima nasreen (@taslimanasreen) June 30, 2019
Journalist Barkha Dutt wrote, “I respect Zaira Wasim’s space to make a choice to either join or leave films. But I am deeply disturbed at the indoctrination of religious conservatism – any religion-in that choice being made. Thus Choice is sometimes a complicated word. For women, especially.”
I respect @ZairaWasimmm space to make a choice to either join or leave films. But i am deeply disturbed at the indoctrination of religious conservatism – any religion-in that choice being made. Thus Choice is sometimes a complicated word. For women, especially.
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 30, 2019
Actress Raveena Tandon opposing Wasim’s reason behind her exit wrote,” Doesn’t matter if two film olds are ungrateful to the industry that have given them all. Just wish they’d exit gracefully and keep their regressive views to themselves.”
Doesn’t matter if two film olds are ungrateful to the industry that have given them all. Just wish they’d exit gracefully and keep their regressive views to themselves .
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) June 30, 2019
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference chief Omar Abdullah on Twitter wrote,” Who are any of us to question Zaira Wasim’s choices? It’s her life to do with as she pleases. All I will do is wish her well & hope that whatever she does makes her happy.”
Who are any of us to question @ZairaWasimmm’s choices? It’s her life to do with as she pleases. All I will do is wish her well & hope that what ever she does makes her happy.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 30, 2019
Bollywood Writer Shagufta Rafique wrote, “Is it just me or others too who think Islam and Muslims are being abused day in and out on Twitter for everything right or wrong they do?? The Abuses the smirks foul language.. Terrorist, Thief or Zahira Wasim sab ek hain?”
Is it just me or others too who think Islam and Muslims are being abused day in and out on Twitter for everything right or wrong they do?? The Abuses the smirks foul language.. Terrorist, Thief or zahirawasim sab ek hain?
— ShaguftaRafique (@shufta20) June 30, 2019
Yesteryear actress Nagma supporting the Dangal Actress decision wrote,”#ZairaWasim is a courageous girl who defied stereotypes & shined through. We must appreciate her courage & stand with her in her moment of crisis Zaira Wasimyou have our support. We love you for work you did and your spirit keep it alive. Wish you well and want u to be happy.
#ZairaWasim is a courageous girl who defied stereotypes & shined through. We must appreciate her courage & stand with her in her moment of crisis @ZairaWasimmm you hv our support . We love you for work you did and your spirit keep it alive. Wish you well and want u to be happy .
— Nagma (@nagma_morarji) June 30, 2019
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